Hawaii Islands Adventure

Overview

One of the most varied of Americas 50 states, Hawaii is a tropical paradise. This exciting island-hopping adventure takes in the very best from short hikes, snorkelling, biking and Hawaiian culture, allowing you to dig beneath the surface of three Hawaiian Islands. Visit Pearl Harbor for fascinating history, board Zodiacs for a snorkelling adventure beneath the sea, spend the day cycling on Maui, travel iconic roads including the Chain of Craters and Road to Hana, plus visit Pu'uhonua O Honaunau for a dose of culture, with enough time to wind down on the beach.

Visit the Haleakala summit volcano followed by a 23 mile scenic cycle downhill through the Maui countryside

Full day driving tour on the ‘Road to Hana’, Maui

Two flights between islands

Hiking and swimming opportunities

Need to Know

Tour Style

Active

Group Size

Max 13

Hotel

9 Nights

Other Inclusions

Services of a professional tour leader and local guides

Transportation by private and public vehicle, Zodiac, bike and flight

Meals paid locally

Essential Information

Prices quoted are land only. Call us on 0333 999 7951 for a flight quote (UK only)

This tour requires a minimum number of five to operate. On rare occasions we may run with lower numbers

Trip Dossier

Download the Hawaii Islands Adventure trip dossier for tour-specific details including full itinerary, pre-departure information, packing tips and more about our style of travel.

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Itinerary

Our routes have been carefully chosen to include the best night stops and highlights. However, as local and operational conditions may vary and unforeseen circumstances can arise, the following itinerary should be used as a guideline.

All departures of this tour in 2019 are guaranteed, so once you've booked you can be sure you're going! This guarantee gives you the confidence to book all of your travel arrangements and simply look forward to your holiday.

Look out for the Trip Advisor logo in the itinerary below to read hotel reviews. On the rare occasion that accommodation is not available we will stay in a local property of a similar standard.

Itinerary update

There are areas of Volcano National Park still closed to visitors, following the 2018 eruption of Kīlauea. Please be aware the lava lake that existed inside Halema‘uma‘u crater disappeared and lava flows from Puʻu ʻŌʻō crater have ceased. There is no molten lava to see anywhere in the park. Please contact [email protected] if you have any questions.

Aloha! Welcome to the Hawaiian Island of Oahu and the 50th American State. You will have a welcome meeting in the hotel lobby at 18:00 this evening to meet your tour leader and fellow travelling companions. Please look for a notice in the hotel lobby where it will take place.

There is a lot to do in Honolulu and it is highly recommended to book a few extra days to make the most of your time here. If you do arrive early, why not go snorkelling at Hanauma Bay or visit the Dole Plantation or Polynesian Cultural Centre? The Waikiki area is also ideal for soaking up the sun’s rays, which are almost as famous as the beach itself.

Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Waikiki

Accommodation

Meals

The infamous incident at Pearl Harbor was a surprise military attack by the Japanese against the United States naval base, on the morning of December 7, 1941. It has since become known as the Battle of Pearl Harbor and sparked off the United States' participation in World War II. Today is a sobering visit to this historic site with an audio guide provided. Included is admission to Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona to learn about this infamous side of American history. Take an afternoon drive to visit the world-famous beaches and surf breaks of the North Shore before continuing down Oahu's windward coast with all its breathtaking views. In the evening return to Waikiki for cocktails and sunset where you may even be lucky enough to view the rare "Green Flash" as the sun descends below the horizon.

Queen Kapiolani Hotel (or similar)

Accommodation

Meals

With Oahu in the background, you fly to Big Island where you spend the next four nights. You’ll notice the landscape and flora changing between islands and today is no different. To get you in the Big Island spirit, your first stop is Kealakekua Bay Park, where you board Zodiac boats to a secluded bay, where you'll have the opportunity to snorkel the coral reefs nearby the Captain Cook Monument. The white structure pays tribute to Captain Cook, the first westerner to arrive on the Hawaiian Islands, and marks the location of his anchored ships and subsequent death. Follow the coastline back to base, exploring sea caves along the way.

You spend the night in Kona Town on the west coast of Hawaii, where you have the option of swimming with Manta Rays. There's lots a great dining options on Kona's bustling ocean front.

Royal Kona Resort (or similar)

Accommodation

Meals

Optional Activities

For all you culture vultures, enjoy a visit to Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park, which brings Hawaiian culture to life. It was in this sacred place that people who had committed crimes or broken the laws of the people, ended up seeking refuge from the death penalty. Upon arrival, you’ll notice the great wall marking borders between the royal grounds and the sanctuary. Many ki'i (carved wooden images) surround the Hale o Keawe temple, housing the bones of the chiefs. Surrounded by palm-lined beaches, wooden carvings, a massive lava rock wall and reconstructed villages, the location is simply idyllic. Your next stop is Punalu’u black sand beach. Honu - Hawaiian Green Turtles, are often spotted in this palm fringed paradise. While it isn't the best swimming spot, you can hang out with these locals on the black sand, on which they bask on. Just make sure to give them the distance they require.

This afternoon you'll get your first taster of Volcanoes National Park. While many of the hiking trails in the park remain closed off to visitors, due to the 2018 eruptions, you have the opportunity to see evidence of the recent activity with a visit to the Visitor center and Kīlauea Iki Overlook.

Volcano Inn (or similar)

Accommodation

Meals

Today you'll explore sections of the Crater Rim Trail, taking in Kilauea's spectacular variety of incredible volcanic features and ecosystems. The scenery and landscape changes significantly from shady forests with birds signing to steaming vents, desert-like-terrain and vast craters. Keep an eye out for Hawaii's state bird, the highly engendered Nene Goose. Enjoy a scenic drive on the Chain of Craters road. Travel through dense rain forest into desolate black lava fields, discover ancient petroglyphs and end by the ocean with views of the Holei Sea Arch. On your way back to your hotel enjoy a stop at Volcano Winery, where you can opt for a unique wine tasting experience.

Volcano Inn (or similar)

Accommodation

Meals

Continue following the coast to the sacred and unbelievably beautiful Waipio Valley. A locally led 4x4 tour of the valley and introduction to Hawaiian history and culture is included to help you dig beneath the surface of this beautiful area. Afterwards, enjoy a short stop at the small town of Hawi, North Kohala’s ‘biggest little town’. This historic town, set in the green northern tip of the island, was once the busy hub of North Kohala’s now defunct sugar industry. Now, it is home to a handful of charming art galleries and restaurants set in colourful and lively plantation buildings. From here, head back to Kona where you overnight.

Royal Kona Resort (or similar)

Accommodation

Meals

This morning you wave goodbye to Big Island, ready for touch down on the idyllic island of Maui. Once you've landed, you drive to Lahaina where the remainder of the day free to explore or hit the beach. Maui is a popular tourist destination and although it can at times be busy, it is also said to be one of the world's top island destinations. Maui offers those quintessential views of Hawaii that you would imagine when conjuring up images of this tropical paradise.

Kaanapali Ocean Inn (or similar)

Accommodation

Meals

Optional Activities

Today is all about exploring the island on two wheels - and what better way than Maui’s famous 23 mile downhill? You’ll drop 3,000 feet in 10 miles and curve around 29 switch backs, stopping often to enjoy incredible vistas of west Maui surrounded by the Pacific. You’ll pass by vegetable truck farms, protea farms, lodges, galleries and Kula botanical gardens. This is the perfect way to experience the real side of Maui. You’ll definitely need a Mai Thai back at the hotel with a view of the sunset to wind down afterwards.

Kaanapali Ocean Inn (or similar)

Accommodation

Meals

By now you’ll have a good idea of just how beautiful Maui is, but it would be a shame to send you on your way without first seeing more of what the island has to offer. Today we’ve included a full day driving tour on the ‘Road to Hana’ with loads of stops along the way to stretch your legs. The day includes multiple waterfalls and viewpoints, plus visits to Waianapanapa State Park and Hana Town. Please be aware, the roads can get quite windy, but the endless views should help to ease any motion sickness. However, another option, is to view the ‘Road to Hana’ by helicopter, taking in the jagged coastline, towering waterfalls and the option to land in lush rain forest. If you would prefer to stay at the hotel, there are options to rent stand up paddle boards and kayaks. Or you might wish to rent a snorkel, and go in search of Honu, Kaanapali beach is well known for turtle sightings.

Kaanapali Ocean Inn (or similar)

Accommodation

Meals

All good things come to an end and with your tour finishing in the morning, it is time to wave goodbye not only to Hawaii, but also your new-found travel buddies. If the thought of reality is simply too much to bear, why not book a few post-tour nights with Grand American Adventures and ‘live the dream’ a while longer?

Accommodation

None included

Meals

Meals paid locally

Tour Extras

We offer a whole range of travel extras, from additional hotel nights to flights and insurance, so you can organise everything you'll need for your trip.

Our tours depart at designated hotels in our gateway cities, so it's a great idea to book a room for the night before and after your tour. It's also worth staying extra nights to explore the city more. You must book these hotels in advance either online with your tour or by contacting our friendly sales team.

HONOLULU – RAMADA PLAZA BY WYNDHAM WAIKIKI

1830 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA

Located a 10 minute walk away from Kahanamoku Beach, this hotel features an outdoor pool and fitness center, on-site restaurant and bar, free Wi-Fi and air-conditioned rooms with coffee making facilities.

Full room (Your own single or double room)

From £194| US$256 | Eur233 | AU$330 | NZ$347 Price per room per night

AIRPORT TRANSFER INFORMATION

There are various shuttle providers in the baggage claim area. These do not need to be pre-booked. They drop off at various hotels and cost approximately $16 USD per person (plus tip). If you would like to pre-book a shuttle, you can contact Roberts Hawaii Shuttle. You will find them in the baggage claim area. Alternatively, a taxi will cost $35 USD (plus tip). Taxis can be picked up outside the airport terminal upon arrival.

Our tours depart at designated hotels in our gateway cities, so it's a great idea to book a room for the night before and after your tour. It's also worth staying extra nights to explore the city more. You must book these hotels in advance either online with your tour or by contacting our friendly sales team.

LAHAINA - KAANAPALI OCEAN INN

2780 Kekaa Dr, Lahaina, HI 96761

Set directly on Kaanapali Beach, on the grounds of the Royal Lahaina Resort, this Hawaiian-style budget hotel dates back to 1962 and is located 4 miles from the historic whaling town of Lahaina and less than a mile from the restaurants and shops of Whalers Village. The homey, air-conditioned rooms feature private lanais with garden, ocean or beachfront views. All have minifridges, tea and coffeemaking equipment and an in-room safe.

AIRPORT TRANSFER INFORMATION

Hotel reception can reserve you a shuttle or taxi to Kahului Airport but please reserve this the day before you require it. A taxi takes around 40 minutes and costs in the region of US$75-100. It is worth speaking to your fellow travellers to see if taxi sharing is an option. A shuttle service operates on the island and costs in the region of US$55 per person, this can be booked through the hotel reception.

If you’ve booked pre or post nights in our gateway cities, spend some time exploring. We’ve partnered with GetYourGuide to make sure you take in all the highlights and experience everything these incredible cities have to offer.

Our specialist flights department can offer UK customers a great airline fare to all of our destinations. We have preferred contracts with many international carriers and have secured some of the most competitive prices in the industry.

At Grand American Adventures we believe that your safety and enjoyment are the most important parts of your holiday. That's why we recommend you take out insurance as soon as your booking is confirmed. We can offer you a comprehensive travel insurance policy which is completely tailored for your trip and is specially designed to include all the activities listed we do.

If you do not take our policy, you must ensure that the policy you do take offers an equivalent level of protection and covers you for the activities involved - be aware that some policies do not include, or restrict, coverage for this type of travel. ​

There are loads of exciting optional activities available for you to choose from during your trip giving you the flexibility to do the things you want to and leave out the things you don't. A list of optional activities and approximate costs are shown at the end of each day by day itinerary descriptions above.

Your tour leader will arrange your chosen activities during the tour so no need to pre-book. You'll also pay for these locally so ensure you budget for the bucket list items!

As local weather conditions and seasonality can change not all optional activities may be available on your trip and prices can be subject to change.

The Foreign & Commonwealth Office and the NHS has up-to-date advice on staying safe and healthy abroad. For more on security, local laws, plus passport and visa information, see https://travelaware.campaign.gov.uk/

Keep informed of current travel health news by visiting http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk. For all latest travel information about your holiday, please visit our Travel Aware page. The advice can change so check regularly for updates.